“Update 3-Geely considers bond, says unrelated to Volvo - Forbes” plus 4 more

Update 3-Geely considers bond, says unrelated to Volvo - Forbes
Consider O'Reilly Automotive, due to the used car repair trend - Bloggingstocks.com
Automotive CRM Provider DealerSocket Wins Sales Department of the Year ... - PR Newswire
American Driveline Systems Appoints Marc Graham as New CEO - MSN Money
American Driveline Systems Appoints Marc Graham As President, CEO ... - RTT News

Update 3-Geely considers bond, says unrelated to Volvo - Forbes

Posted: 16 Sep 2009 07:50 AM PDT

HONG KONG, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Geely Automotive, the Chinese carmaker whose parent is eyeing Ford's Volvo unit, said it was considering a convertible bond issue, but added that the move is unrelated to the parent company's previously disclosed interest in the Ford unit.

Executive Director Lawrence Ang provided no details on the offer size, but confirmed that the Chinese automaker is looking at a bond issue.

Article Controls

'We are considering a CB (convertible bond) and warrant issue. Not related to Volvo.' Ang said in a statement to Reuters.

Analysts said the bonds could be used for Geely to expand its car making capacity rather than to launch an immediate bid for Ford's $2 billion plus Swedish car unit.

Geely said last week its parent was considering a bid for Volvo with a local government-backed investment firm.

A successful deal would boost the profile of Geely, a small, homegrown car maker, and give it access to Volvo technology it needs to upgrade its cars.

Yet some analysts have raised concerns about whether the Chinese car maker will be able to make the acquisition work.

'The move is a bit of a surprise to the market,' said Vivien Chan, analyst at Sinopac Securities Corp. 'We had a meeting with the company before and they did not mention any funding needs.'

In March, Geely bought Australian automatic transmission supplier Drivetrain System International for $40 million, but a company executive said that deal was paid for from proceeds of a share placement in May.

A spokesman for the listed company in Hong Kong said the suspension of trading in Geely shares on Wednesday was related to a 'major transaction.' He would not clarify further.

The Hong Kong exchange said the Geely suspension was pending an announcement related to a proposed issue of convertible bonds and warrants. No financial details were immediately available.

Geely shares have dropped more than 18 percent since hitting a life high early last week.

Geely, valued at around $1.68 billion, is working with British partner Manganese Bronze Holdings Plc to make and sell London's iconic black cabs in China.

(Reporting by Alison Leung and Michael Flaherty; Writing by Ian Geoghegan; Editing by Jean Yoon and Rupert Winchester) ((alison.leung@thomsonreuters.com; +852 2843 6369; Reuters Messaging: alison.leung.reuters.com@reuters.net)) ((If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com))

HONG KONG, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Chinese automaker Geely Automotive said on Wednesday that its potential plans for a convertible bond offering were unrelated to previously disclosed interest in Ford's Volvo.

'We are considering a CB (convertible bond) and warrant issue. Not related to Volvo,' said Executive Director Lawrence Ang, in a statement to Reuters.

((donald.durfee@thomsonreuters.com; +852 2843 1649; Reuters Messaging: donald.durfee.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) Keywords: GEELY/

(If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com)

The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.

Neither the Subscriber nor Thomson Reuters warrants the completeness or accuracy of the Service or the suitability of the Service as a trading aid and neither accepts any liability for losses howsoever incurred. The content on this site, including news, quotes, data and other information, is provided by Thomson Reuters and its third party content providers for your personal information only, and neither Thomson Reuters nor its third party content providers shall be liable for any errors, inaccuracies or delays in content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Consider O'Reilly Automotive, due to the used car repair trend - Bloggingstocks.com

Posted: 16 Sep 2009 03:06 PM PDT

In the current market frugal consumer plays carry the day. And that's why I'm reiterating my Buy rating for O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY), first recommended on May 18, 2009 at a price of $37.02.

Nothing creative about the O'Reilly's value story: it's the third largest automotive aftermarket parts supplier (alternators, starters, fuel pumps, brake shoes, pads, filters etc.), with 3,285 stores in 38 states.

Nothing creative about O'Reilly's value story: it's the third largest automotive aftermarket parts supplier (alternators, starters, fuel pumps, brake shoes, pads, filters etc.), with 3,285 stores in 38 states.

Auto parts companies usually do well during downturns because -- you guessed it -- people who can't afford to buy a new car maintain their current used car better, because they know they may be driving it for several more years. In the U.S., it's an enormous market – and a critical one, if fewer decision to buy new cars. The First Call FY2009/FY2010 EPS estimates for ORLY are $2.13 to $2.52.

Stock Analysis: O'Reilly Automotive is a moderate-risk stock. If you've already purchased the company's shares, hold them. If not, consider buying a 50% position in ORLY now; then buy another 25% in three months, if U.S. and global economic conditions don't worsen substantially. Under any circumstance, don't buy more than 75% of your ORLY position before December 2009. Sell/Stop Loss if you were to buy shares in this company: $18.

- -

Disclosure: Lazzaro has no positions in stocks, but does own shares in two Pimco Bond Funds: PHDAX and PYMAX.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Automotive CRM Provider DealerSocket Wins Sales Department of the Year ... - PR Newswire

Posted: 16 Sep 2009 02:59 PM PDT

NEW YORK, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading automotive CRM provider DealerSocket was presented with a Stevie(R) Award for Sales Department of the Year in the sixth annual International Business Awards Monday night. The Stevie Award is the world's only international, all-encompassing business awards program. Honorees were selected from more than 1,700 entries received from organizations and individuals in more than 40 countries. Other award winners include top companies Cisco, UPS, Samsung and LG.

Despite the current challenging automotive market conditions, DealerSocket's sales team continued to shine and accumulate customer wins throughout the United States and Canada in 2008 and into 2009. Under the leadership of Matt Redden, Vice President of Sales, DealerSocket's sales team was able to add an average of one new automotive dealership customer per day in 2008 and improve that average to almost one and a half per day in 2009.

"This year our sales team has had some tremendous victories and it serves as a demonstration of the power of our product and our people," said Jonathan Ord, DealerSocket Co-Founder and CEO. "DealerSocket is committed to helping our customers find ways to do more with less and continue to drive sales, improve marketing efficiency, increase service business and customer loyalty and retention. I would like to thank our entire employee and customer base for their continued dedication and support."

About DealerSocket

DealerSocket provides the most comprehensive CRM solution available to the market today, allowing dealers to save time, save money, and improve sales staff effectiveness with one consolidated product. With the power to manage sales, service, CSI and marketing, DealerSocket's Customer Relationship Management solution is one complete tool for all automotive dealership departments. More than 50,000 users at over 1000 auto dealerships throughout the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia now leverage DealerSocket's CRM solution to optimize and manage marketing activities, sales processes, customer satisfaction and retention, and service department operations. Based in San Clemente, California, DealerSocket has won numerous awards and industry recognition, including being named one of Red Herring 100 North America in 2009 and Best Overall Company in the 2008 International Business Awards. DealerSocket is recognized by Deloitte & Touche and Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in North America. For more information visit our website: www.dealersocket.com.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

SOURCE DealerSocket

Website: http://www.dealersocket.com

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

American Driveline Systems Appoints Marc Graham as New CEO - MSN Money

Posted: 16 Sep 2009 09:04 PM PDT

HORSHAM, Pa., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Driveline Systems, Inc. announced today that is has appointed Marc Graham as President and CEO of the company, and its subsidiary corporations AAMCO Transmissions Inc. and Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC. Mr. Graham brings over 35 years of senior management experience in the automotive parts and services industry.

"Marc is a seasoned and talented professional with extensive experience in the automotive and franchising industries. He has an impressive track record of significantly growing revenue and profit, improving processes and working closely and effectively with franchisees in his previous roles," said Brian Graff, Chairman of the Board of Directors for American Driveline Systems, Inc. "We're very excited to have him join the company and look forward to its continued growth under his leadership."

Prior to joining American Driveline Systems, Inc., Mr. Graham served as President of Jiffy Lube International where he oversaw the company's 2,200 locations in North America and worked extensively with franchisees to establish best practices and achieve significant increases in system sales and profits. Most recently, Mr. Graham served as President and CEO of EZ Lube LLC, a large regional automotive service chain where he restructured many aspects of the business and substantially improved profits and revenues. He also is a past Chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association ("AAIA") and currently serves as Chairman of the audit committee of that association. Other positions held by Mr. Graham during his 35 year career in the automotive industry include President and CEO of InstallerEDGE and senior management positions in two of the then top 10 auto parts chains.

Mr. Graham also serves on the boards of the Automotive Hall of Fame and the Aftermarket Foundation.

"I am very excited to join American Driveline at an exciting time in its history and to be a part of the continued growth and success of the two leading general automotive and transmission repair center brands in North America, AAMCO and Cottman," said Mr. Graham. "I look forward to working with my new colleagues across the organization on exploring more opportunities for the company and building on the success of its longstanding brands."

ABOUT AMERICAN DRIVELINE SYSTEMS, INC.

American Driveline Systems, Inc. is the parent company of both AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. and Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC., and is majority owned by American Capital Ltd. ACAS. The combined entities of American Driveline Systems, Inc. have more than 6,000 team members and are proud to have served over 35 million drivers. For more information, please visit www.aamco.com and www.cottman.com.

ABOUT AAMCO TRANSMISSIONS, INC.

AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. is the world's largest chain of transmission specialists and one of the leaders in total car care services. The AAMCO brand has approximately 900 automotive centers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Established in 1962, AAMCO is proud to have served more than 35 million drivers. For more information, visit www.aamco.com.

ABOUT COTTMAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS, LLC

Founded in 1962, Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC. is a leading chain of transmission and total auto care service centers. Cottman specializes in every phase of automotive repair and maintenance including a specialization in servicing both automatic and manual transmissions. Cottman takes a "whole car" approach to auto care; including brakes, tune ups, oil changes, shocks, belts, hoses, cooling and even transmissions. For more information please visit Cottman's website at www.cottman.com.

SOURCE American Driveline Systems, Inc.

Back to News Home

MSN Money: Search MSN Money; Message Boards; Site Status

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

American Driveline Systems Appoints Marc Graham As President, CEO ... - RTT News

Posted: 16 Sep 2009 10:16 PM PDT

(RTTNews) - American Driveline Systems, Inc., majority owned by venture capital firm American Capital Ltd. (ACAS: News ), said Thursday that it appointed Marc Graham as President and CEO of the company, and its subsidiary corporations AAMCO Transmissions Inc. and Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC.

Graham has over 35 years of senior management experience in the automotive parts and services industry. Prior to joining American Driveline Systems, Inc., he served as President of Jiffy Lube International. Most recently, Graham served as President and CEO of EZ Lube LLC, an automotive service chain.

Graham is a past Chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association and is currently Chairman of the audit committee of that association. In the past, he has served as President and CEO of InstallerEDGE. Graham also serves on the boards of the Automotive Hall of Fame and the Aftermarket Foundation.

Commenting on Graham's appointment, Brian Graff, Chairman of the Board of Directors for American Driveline Systems, said, "...He has an impressive track record of significantly growing revenue and profit, improving processes and working closely and effectively with franchisees in his previous roles."

ACAS closed Wednesday's regular trade at $3.41, up $0.84 or 32.68%, on 35.25 million shares.

by RTT Staff Writer

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now